hi, I'm Laura.

Calling all laid-back families in Pittsburgh! I’m a local photographer specializing in lifestyle and portrait sessions that capture the genuine connections you share with loved ones. My approach is artistic and creative, focusing on storytelling portraits that go beyond posed smiles. Through beautiful, authentic photographs, I aim to craft photographs that will become cornerstones in your family’s visual story, ready to spark joy and laughter whenever you revisit them.

NEWEST BLOG FEATURES

Want inspiration for your upcoming portrait session? Dive into the latest posts to explore the art of capturing genuine connection and finding beauty in the ordinary. Learn how to master the art of prepping outfits that level up your photos.  Discover the secret to finding the perfect location to capture your unique story. Let’s start creating personalized images that spark joy!

graphic designer / illustrator branding headshot at the Alcazar
Confidence

THREE Tips for a Relaxed and Successful Photography Session

Whether you’re preparing for your first photoshoot or your tenth, it’s natural to feel some nerves before stepping in front of the camera. But here’s the secret: confidence is the key to becoming photogenic. When you feel relaxed and confident, it shows—and it makes all the difference in how your photos turn out. As a photographer, I want to share three essential tips that can help you conquer stress and manage any fears before a photoshoot, so you can look and feel your absolute best. 1. Choose the Right Photographer for You One of the best ways to ease pre-shoot nerves is by choosing a photographer you truly trust. Take the time to review their portfolio and ensure their style resonates with you. Look for consistency in their work—do you like the lighting, composition, and the emotions they capture? Once you’ve found the right photographer, trust them to guide you

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customer shopping during a branding shoot
Branding

A Guide for Planning for Your First Branding Shoot

As a brand owner, you know that your visual identity is just as important as the products or services you offer. A branding photoshoot is a powerful way to showcase your brand’s personality, values, and story. Whether you’re launching a new business or refreshing your existing brand, high-quality, intentional imagery can elevate your presence and resonate deeply with your audience. If you’re gearing up for your first branding shoot, there’s a lot to consider—location, outfits, props, and most importantly, the message you want to convey through the photos. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your first branding photoshoot, including tips on what to wear, where to shoot, and, of course, how to choose the right props to tell your brand’s story. 1. Define Your Brand’s Story and Message Before you start planning the shoot, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand’s identity.

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lifestyle family portrait of mother holding newborn baby
Natural Newborn Photos

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session: A Parent’s Guide

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most beautiful and exciting milestones. And what better way to preserve those precious early moments than with a newborn photo session? Whether you’re a first-time parent or have gone through the process before, preparing for a newborn photoshoot can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your upcoming newborn photo session so you can relax, enjoy, and create lasting memories with your little one. 1. Book Your Session Early The key to a successful newborn photo session is timing. The best time to photograph a newborn is typically within the first two weeks after birth. During this time, babies are still very sleepy, and you can capture those peaceful, curled-up poses that are so iconic in newborn photography. Tip Book your session while you’re still pregnant. This gives you peace of

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Bride and Groom with champagne on Wedding Day at West End Overlook, Pittsburgh
Couples

An Intimate Wedding at West End Overlook: An Interview

The West End Overlook, with its stunning panoramic views of Pittsburgh, provided the perfect backdrop for Jasmine and Ben’s intimate wedding day. Surrounded by close family and friends — and their beloved dog, Fish — they exchanged heartfelt vows in a setting that holds deep meaning for them both. In this interview, Jasmine and Ben share their journey together, from meeting in college to their unforgettable proposal in Alaska. They reflect on the special moments of their wedding day, including the joy of having Fish by their side as they began this new chapter. Join me as I dive into their story and the love they celebrated in one of Pittsburgh’s most scenic spots. Are you from Pittsburgh? Jasmine is from Hermitage, PA about an hour north of Pittsburgh and Ben is from Greensburg, PA about an hour east of Pittsburgh. We moved to Squirrel Hill in 2016 after we

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BLOG CATEGORIES

Welcome! Ready to explore the world through stunning photos, insightful interviews, and inspiring travel guides? Dive into the blog categories below. Click on any photo to discover a treasure trove of blog features related to that category.

big sister holding her newborn baby brother sitting on a chair
lifestyle
yawning newborn portrait in modern white studio
newborn
family portrait of family holding dogs sitting in bed of pick up truck
family
couple dancing on a garage rooftop downtown Pittsburgh
couples
high school senior portrait of girl sitting with dog in Pittsburgh, Mellon Park
senior
doctor organizes products during branding photo shoot
personal branding
Branding shoot with Uptown Coffee in Mt. Lebanon
exploring Pittsburgh
portrait of Laura Mares, Pittsburgh Lifestyle Photographer, holding a Nikon camera
updates + tips
Bica funicular in Lisbon, Portugal
travel

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Let’s work together to create beautiful images that you can treasure for a lifetime!

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